MOH: Wearing N95 masks is a personal choice for the elderly, best advice is to stay at home

Health CAS Rashid Aman has urged the elderly to stay at home instead of exposing themselves to the risk of contracting coronavirus in public places.

Speaking on Tuesday during the daily press briefing, Dr. Aman said wearing an N95 mask still remains a matter of choice.

“There may be those who feel concerned and may want to protect them (the elderly), that is a matter of choice really and its upon the person if they want to use the N95…there will be some inconvenience because it’s not a mask you can keep on for a long time, it also restricts the level of breathing,” he said.

He was responding to a question regarding the latest recommendation from the World Health Organization that people above 60 years and those with underlying health conditions wear the N95 masks at all times while in public places.

Dr. Aman however reiterated that though the N95 is the most efficient mask as it filters 95percent of particles, it is reserved for specific situations.

“It is reserved for situations where there is a risk of breathing in the virus from the environment you are and this applies to healthcare workers who are dealing directly with COVID-19 patients either in a clinical setting. That is where it should be best used so that it protects the healthcare worker from contracting the virus,” he said.

According to the Health CAS, wearing a surgical or woven mask still offers sufficient protection against contracting coronavirus as long as it is worn properly.